“Inspiring the next generation of scientists is at the core of our modern industrial strategy and now partners across the country have the chance to do just that by getting their green fingers on these special space saplings.”

Sir Isaac Newton (PA)

After returning to Earth the saplings were cared for at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, in London.

Jeremy Curtis, head of education and skills at the UK Space Agency, said: “We are thrilled that our friends at Kew have managed to nurture these precious young trees to the point where they can begin independent lives.

“Now we need to find good homes for them across the UK to help as many people as possible find out about the intertwined stories of Newton, gravity, physics, space travel and horticulture.

“Maybe one of the trees will one day inspire the next Newton.”

The competition has been jointly organised by the UK Space Agency, the National Trust, the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, and South Kesteven District Council in Lincolnshire.